A Compact and Versatile Light Sheet Microscopy Platform for Research and Education
Since its introduction to biological research in 2004 [Huisken 2004], light sheet microscopy has proved to be immensely useful for a wide variety of imaging applications [Weber 2014]. Light sheet microscopes sparked the interest of scientists that see the potential of simple and affordable setups for research and education. Platforms such as OpenSPIM lead the way in this effort, but remain limited in expandability and stability [Marx 2016].
Here, I’m presenting a light sheet microscopy platform that sacrifices lowest cost and some openness to gain reliability and expandability. Two major applications influenced the design process. First, teaching light sheet microscopy and optics to scientists and students during workshops at Harvard Medical School (HMS) and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories (CSHL). Second, evaluating the technique for imaging optically challenging specimens frequently used in the HMS community. I chose the optics to match two samples: Drosophila embryos and 3D cell culture (spheroids, organoids). I selected compact and reliable components, which are mounted on a 24”x36” breadboard using an open cage system for most of the folded beam path. The sample is translated and rotated by means of motorized stages, the focal plane is illuminated with a matched Gaussian light sheet shaped with a cylindrical lens, and images are recorded using a 16x/0.8 objective lens and an sCMOS camera. Most of the components are available off the shelf, while the number of custom components is kept to a minimum. To provide hardware integration and a user interface for semi or fully automated image acquisition, I decided in favor of a commercial software development platform that is supported by many microscope component suppliers.
Overall, my microscope design offers a versatile and affordable way to integrate light sheet microscopy for research and education. Based on the experience gained from the first workshops and user collaborations, I intend to further optimize the design and provide the community with detailed information on how to reproduce the microscope.
